Magness Library director Brad Walker is increasing his knowledge and understanding of the unique role the library fulfills in the community. Walker attended the Public Library Management Institute Aug. 4-9.
The Public Library Management Institute, started in 1995, is a three-year program for library directors, branch managers or assistant directors who do not have master’s degrees. Each year, participants gather at Fall Creek Falls State Park for a week of intense training sessions and networking with fellow library directors in similar situations.
The program is run by the Tennessee State Library and Archives and is underwritten by state funding. Participants must work in a public library which is part of the regional library system.
Walker has completed year one of the three-year program. In year one, participants study library values, library structure, management, leadership and history of the Tennessee Library System.
Year two is geared toward personnel, project management, staffing practices and pulling together your brand.
Year three will conclude the training with managing resources, partnerships, strategic planning, funding and budgeting.
Walker said, “The classes help us have a better understanding of how the library system works and evolved in the state and where we fit in to the state system. It helps us learn how to advertise and promote the library. For instance, we had 500 kids at our summer reading program and 26 adults to participate in our newly formed adult reading program this year. It also helps with our overall managing of the library such as public relations, staff, board and how the board functions with us.”
If Walker completes all three years of classes, he will become a Tennessee certified public library manager. Participants have to complete all three years in a row in order to graduate from the . They cannot miss a year.
Participants continue the work online throughout the year.
"Over the years of the program, library directors develop skills in public speaking, personnel management, using technology effectively and managing change, among other things. All of these skills are essential for guiding public libraries through their transition into the digital era,” said state librarian and archivist Chuck Sherrill
The program has graduated 157 people since its founding in 1995.